EP0465330B1 - Headlamp with several functions, especially for vehicles - Google Patents

Headlamp with several functions, especially for vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0465330B1
EP0465330B1 EP91401789A EP91401789A EP0465330B1 EP 0465330 B1 EP0465330 B1 EP 0465330B1 EP 91401789 A EP91401789 A EP 91401789A EP 91401789 A EP91401789 A EP 91401789A EP 0465330 B1 EP0465330 B1 EP 0465330B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reflector
radiation
cut
headlamp according
zone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP91401789A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0465330A1 (en
Inventor
Joel Leleve
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V11/00—Screens not covered by groups F21V1/00, F21V3/00, F21V7/00 or F21V9/00
    • F21V11/08—Screens not covered by groups F21V1/00, F21V3/00, F21V7/00 or F21V9/00 using diaphragms containing one or more apertures
    • F21V11/12—Screens not covered by groups F21V1/00, F21V3/00, F21V7/00 or F21V9/00 using diaphragms containing one or more apertures of slot type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/17—Discharge light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/68—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on screens
    • F21S41/683—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on screens by moving screens
    • F21S41/692—Shields, i.e. screens not creating an image meant to be projected
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V9/00—Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters
    • F21V9/06—Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters for filtering out ultraviolet radiation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/33—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature
    • F21S41/334—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector consisting of patch like sectors
    • F21S41/335—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector consisting of patch like sectors with continuity at the junction between adjacent areas

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a headlamp with several functions, in particular for a motor vehicle, adapted to improve the illumination of road signaling elements.
  • a headlamp which includes a cut-off lighting function such as, for example, a so-called crossing function or a so-called anti-fog function.
  • the illumination range is reduced and does not make it possible to make the road signal elements visible from a very long distance.
  • a first object of the present invention is to create a projector with cut beams which overcomes this drawback.
  • Such a projector for example described in patent application DE-A-2,249,930, is intended to be added to the projectors, or to the pairs of projectors, normally fitted to a motor vehicle, in particular to perform the functions of so-called crossing and so-called road lighting.
  • a headlamp called a dipped headlamp, which emits a visible light beam below a cut-off line, and which emits an ultra-violet light beam above of this same cut.
  • a vehicle equipped with a pair of headlights conforming to this patent application must also comprise a pair of headlights adapted to emit a so-called road beam.
  • Patent application WO-A-90/08673 proposes a projector of the aforementioned type, capable moreover of emitting a complete light beam or a light beam with cut-off, a mobile blackout transparent to UV rays being susceptible in one of its positions, to intercept part of the light beam, in order to define the beam cut-off.
  • the position of the cut-off is determined by the position of the movable screen.
  • any deviation in positioning in particular caused by vibrations or shocks, causes a variation in the cut-off and therefore inadequate, even dangerous, lighting when the headlamp is dazzling.
  • the main object of the invention is to overcome this drawback.
  • a multifunctional projector is produced, which allows the emission of ultra-violet radiation above a cut-off line when a cut-off projection function is used.
  • At least one of the two reflector zones is constituted by a surface capable of generating by itself a beam situated below a cut of generally horizontal orientation, and can be constituted by a surface capable of forming images of the light source whose highest points are located in the vicinity of the cut.
  • the cut can be horizontal or delimited by a horizontal half-plane and by a half-plane inclined above the horizontal.
  • the other zone of the reflector is preferably constituted by a surface capable of generating a concentrated beam in the vicinity of the optical axis.
  • the occultation means can comprise either a single screen for selectively obscuring the visible light rays emanating from the source in the direction of said other zone, or even two screens, at least one of which is transparent to ultraviolet radiation to selectively obscure the visible light rays from the source towards the two areas of the reflector, respectively.
  • the screen capable of obscuring the rays emanating from the source in the direction of the first reflector zone can be crossed by at least one small orifice to allow a determined quantity of light to pass in the direction of said first zone.
  • the screen or each occultation screen comprises a plate articulated around a horizontal axis secured to a cover of direct light associated with the source, this plate being able to be brought into a position of occultation by a driving source such an electric motor associated with transmission means comprising for example gears and a link.
  • a projector according to the invention comprises lamp means 100 defining a light source, capable of emitting both radiation in the visible spectrum and in the UV spectrum, a reflector 200 and a closing front window 300.
  • the glass 300 is made of a transparent material, at least partially, with ultraviolet radiation.
  • the lamp means comprise a discharge lamp, capable of producing between two electrodes an elongated electric arc disposed essentially axially in the vicinity of the optical axis Ox, in a well-known way.
  • 102 and 104 are indicated respectively the base and the sealed bulb of the lamp. Its supply terminals are delimited by 108.
  • a direct light cover 106 is also provided to avoid the glare of the drivers or pedestrians located in front of the vehicle.
  • the cover 106 here has the shape of a cylinder of revolution closed at its front end and whose open rear end has a complex outline such that the rays directed towards optically inoperative parts of the reflector (cheeks, etc.) are intercepted by the cache.
  • the cover 106 is opaque to visible light radiation while being advantageously, but not necessarily, at least partially transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
  • the reflector 200 is here a reflector of low height and large width, truncated by two upper and lower cheeks 240, 250, essentially horizontal.
  • the surface of the reflector 200 is divided into two distinct reflecting zones 210 and 220 capable of emitting two light beams of different types respectively, and this separation is carried out in the present example according to the plan vertical axial x0z of the projector.
  • a separation according to two half-planes passing through the optical axis Ox, but of substantial inclination relative to the horizontal, as indicated by the dashed lines P and P ′, is also conceivable. It is thus easy to modify the respective areas of the reflective zones 210, 220, and consequently the intensities of the two beams formed.
  • the left zone (in front view) 210 of the reflector may consist of a part of a reflective surface capable of generating by itself, that is to say without the intervention of a concealment mask or the like, the V-cut specific to the standard European passing beam.
  • it may be half of an area among those described in French patents and patent applications Nos. 2.536.502, 2.599.121 and 2.609.148 in the name of the Applicant, whose respective contents are incorporated herein by reference, and to which reference will be made for further details.
  • the right-hand zone 220 of the reflector is a part of a surface capable of generating a beam essentially complementary to the passing beam. It may, for example, be a portion of a paraboloid with respect to the focal point of which the arc is off-center, or even a half of the surface as described in French patent application No. 2,600,024, the content is also incorporated by reference and to which reference will be made for further details.
  • the projector also comprises, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 4a and 4b (and not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 for the sake of clarity), a screening screen 420 which here has the shape of a half-cylinder of revolution of horizontal axis essentially coincident with the optical axis, which is articulated by an edge on an axis 440 parallel to the optical axis and located below the lamp, this axis being for example mounted on the direct light cover 106 .
  • the occultation screen 420 is opaque to visible light radiation, while being, at least in part, transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
  • Drive means can be controlled from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to move the screen 420 between a first position or occluding position (FIG. 4a), in which it is placed against the cache 106 to intercept the radiation from the arc of the lamp towards the area 220 of the reflector, and a second position or erasing position ( Figure 4b), in which it is released from the cover 106, the area 220 now being exposed to radiation. It is observed that, in this example, the zone 210 is always exposed to radiation.
  • the ultraviolet radiation also emitted is, at least in part, transmitted through the screen 420, so that the whole of the reflector participates in the reflection of the ultraviolet radiation.
  • the whole of the reflector participates in the creation of the beam, so that the latter is constituted by the superposition of the driving beam generated by the area 210 and the complementary beam generated by the area 220, and thus constitutes a driving beam.
  • FIGS. 5a to 5d there are diagrammatically illustrated four possibilities of using a headlamp comprising a first reflecting zone 210 such as a surface forming by itself a passing beam and a second reflecting zone 220 in the form of a parabola focused in the vicinity of the arc of the lamp 100.
  • Two screening screens 410, 420 for example articulated and mounted on the same axis 440 located below the lamp 100, are respectively associated with the areas 210 and 220 , to selectively expose them to light from the arc or, on the contrary, hide them.
  • One of the two blackout screens 410, 420, and alternatively both, is opaque to visible light radiation, while being, at least in part, transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
  • This projector is further characterized in that the screening screen 410 assigned to the area 210 of the reflector has one or more small orifices, as indicated in 412, to allow a predetermined quantity of the light emitted by the reflector to pass through. the arc.
  • the two screens 410, 420 are in the occultation position, as illustrated, and only a small quantity of the visible light coming from the arc is authorized to exit towards the zone 210, which normally reflects it towards the 'before. This creates a so-called lantern or city lamp function, delivering a small amount of light in front of the vehicle intended for signaling the vehicle more than for lighting the road.
  • ultraviolet radiation is advantageously emitted limited or not depending on whether one or the two screens 410, 420 are transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
  • FIG. 5b the concealment screen 410 is open. This situation is equivalent to that of FIG. 4a, and the headlamp emits a passing beam.
  • FIG. 5c illustrates the case where the blackout screen 410 is closed, while the blackout screen 420 is open. Only the region 220 of the reflector participates in the shape of the beam, so that the beam generated is an ordinary driving beam, concentrated on the optical axis.
  • FIG. 5d illustrates a last possibility offered by this reflector: by simultaneously opening the two screens 410, 420, the driving beam and the passing beam are superimposed, in this case obtaining an extremely powerful beam, offering visual comfort both in the distance and closer to the vehicle.
  • ultraviolet radiation is emitted, at least in part, above the cut.
  • this projector offers four light functions, all of excellent quality, with, in all cases, emission of a long-range ultraviolet radiation, that is to say not limited by any cut, making it possible to make visible road traffic signs, obstacles, mobiles or others, coated with fluorescent elements under the effect of ultraviolet radiation.
  • Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a practical embodiment of the concealment means used in the context of the present invention.
  • An occulting screen 410 has been illustrated in these figures intended to selectively mask the left-hand part (in front view) 210 of the reflector from the radiation coming from the electric arc.
  • a reversible electric motor 401 On a common support (not illustrated), for example integral with the reflector or the projector housing and coming from molding with it, is mounted a reversible electric motor 401 whose output shaft 401a carries a first gear 402. The latter meshes with a reduction gear formed by the gears 403, 404 and 405.
  • the final gear 405 carries an eccentric pin 406 on which a first end of a link 407 is articulated.
  • the direct light cover 106 here of essentially square cross section, carries on a vertical extension 106a an axis 409 on which the screening screen 410 is articulated by means of a tab 410a.
  • a tab 410a AT the free end of the tab 410a, that is to say opposite to the part providing the concealment with respect to the axis 409, is provided an axis 408 on which the other end of the link 407 is articulated.
  • a rotation of the motor 401 causes, by means of the transmission constituted by the gears and the link, the passage of the screen 410 from the non-occultation or erasure position, illustrated on the Figure 6a, in the occultation position illustrated in Figure 6b, and vice versa.
  • the transmission constituted by the gears and the link
  • the passage of the screen 410 from the non-occultation or erasure position, illustrated on the Figure 6a, in the occultation position illustrated in Figure 6b, and vice versa.
  • limit switches at an appropriate location of the transmission, or even a servo position control, these two solutions being well known from one skilled in the art.
  • the blackout screen 410 has a contour such that, in the blackout position, it seals the entire space between the rear edge of the cover 106 and the base 102 of the lamp, to thus effectively preventing any visible light ray from reaching the reflecting area 210 of the reflector.
  • the screening screen can be produced from a tinted glass or tempered glass support on which is deposited at least a thin layer of a material based on oxides of metals, such as titanium oxide (Ti02), silicon oxide (SiO) or, in general, a dielectric material, absorbing the rays of the visible spectrum and allowing, at least in part, the ultra-rays purple.
  • a material based on oxides of metals such as titanium oxide (Ti02), silicon oxide (SiO) or, in general, a dielectric material, absorbing the rays of the visible spectrum and allowing, at least in part, the ultra-rays purple.
  • the screening screen can also be of the interference band type with a narrow band such as a known filter. under the name of Fabry-Pérot, or be of the diffraction type.
  • the present invention by allowing the radiation of the code, road, or even lantern functions, and emission of ultra-violet radiation, makes it possible to achieve substantial savings compared to the systems of the prior art requiring a plurality of projectors.
  • the ultraviolet radiation is partly reflected at least by an area of the reflector corresponding to a road lighting function, it makes it possible to considerably increase the efficiency and the range thereof.
  • a lamp adapted to emit ultraviolet radiation is mounted near the tungsten filament lamp, the two lamps forming said lamp means.
  • any combination of beams other than that which has been indicated above can be envisaged.
  • the zone forming the passing beam by a zone forming by itself an anti-fog beam, and responding for example to the surface as described in French patent application No. 2,536,503 in the name of the Applicant, the content of which is incorporated into the present description by reference.
  • Another possibility consists in using, for the concealable zone 220, a portion of paraboloid focused on the source and giving a so-called “spot” beam, extremely concentrated, and for the non-concealable zone 210 a surface such as that described in the patent application n ° 2,609,148, generating by itself a beam of road of great width.
  • the electromechanical occultation means can be the subject of numerous variants.
  • the drive can be performed using an electromagnet instead of the electric motor.
  • non-electromechanical occultation means for example an electro-optical screen capable of assuming an opaque state and a transparent state, depending on the value of an electric voltage which is applied across its terminals.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un projecteur à plusieurs fonctions, en particulier pour véhicule automobile, adapté à améliorer l'éclairement d'éléments de signalisation routière.The present invention relates to a headlamp with several functions, in particular for a motor vehicle, adapted to improve the illumination of road signaling elements.

Elle concerne plus particulièrement un tel projecteur qui comporte une fonction d'éclairage à coupure telle que, par exemple, une fonction dite de croisement ou une fonction dite anti-brouillard.It relates more particularly to such a headlamp which includes a cut-off lighting function such as, for example, a so-called crossing function or a so-called anti-fog function.

Dans de tels cas la portée d'éclairement est réduite et ne permet pas de rendre visibles de très loin les éléments de signalisation routière.In such cases the illumination range is reduced and does not make it possible to make the road signal elements visible from a very long distance.

Un premier objet de la présente invention est de créer un projecteur à faisceaux coupés qui permet de pallier cet inconvénient.A first object of the present invention is to create a projector with cut beams which overcomes this drawback.

On a déjà proposé d'équiper des véhicules automobiles avec des projecteurs susceptibles d'émettre exclusivement un rayonnement ultra-violet destiné à rendre visibles des éléments de signalisation routière comportant un revêtement qui devient fluorescent sous l'effet d'une radiation ultra-violette.It has already been proposed to equip motor vehicles with headlights capable of exclusively emitting ultraviolet radiation intended to make visible road signs comprising a coating which becomes fluorescent under the effect of ultraviolet radiation.

Un tel projecteur, par exemple décrit dans la demande de brevet DE-A-2.249.930, est destiné à venir s'ajouter aux projecteurs, ou aux paires de projecteurs, équipant normalement un véhicule automobile, en particulier pour réaliser les fonctions d'éclairage dite de croisement et dite de route.Such a projector, for example described in patent application DE-A-2,249,930, is intended to be added to the projectors, or to the pairs of projectors, normally fitted to a motor vehicle, in particular to perform the functions of so-called crossing and so-called road lighting.

On connait également, par la demande de brevet WO-89/03778, un projecteur dit projecteur de croisement, qui émet un faisceau lumineux visible en-dessous d'une ligne de coupure, et qui émet un faisceau lumineux ultra-violet au-dessus de cette même coupure.Also known, from patent application WO-89/03778, a headlamp called a dipped headlamp, which emits a visible light beam below a cut-off line, and which emits an ultra-violet light beam above of this same cut.

Un véhicule équipé d'une paire de projecteurs conformes à cette demande de brevet, doit comporter en outre une paire de projecteurs adaptés à émettre un faisceau dit route.A vehicle equipped with a pair of headlights conforming to this patent application must also comprise a pair of headlights adapted to emit a so-called road beam.

Dans les deux cas précités, il est nécessaire de prévoir une pluralité de paires de projecteurs pour remplir toutes les fonctions nécessaires de l'éclairage automobile.In the two aforementioned cases, it is necessary to provide a plurality of pairs of headlights to fulfill all the necessary functions of automotive lighting.

La demande de brevet WO-A-90/08673 propose un projecteur du type précité, susceptible en outre d'émettre un faisceau lumineux complet ou un faisceau lumineux à coupure, un occulteur mobile transparent aux rayons UV étant susceptible dans l'une de ses positions, d'intercepter une partie du faisceau lumineux, afin de définir la coupure du faisceau.Patent application WO-A-90/08673 proposes a projector of the aforementioned type, capable moreover of emitting a complete light beam or a light beam with cut-off, a mobile blackout transparent to UV rays being susceptible in one of its positions, to intercept part of the light beam, in order to define the beam cut-off.

Toutefois, la position de la coupure est déterminée par la position de l'occulteur mobile. Il en résulte que tout écart de positionnement, notamment provoqué par des vibrations ou chocs, entraîne une variation de la coupure et par conséquent un éclairage inadéquat, voire dangereux lorsque le projecteur est éblouissant.However, the position of the cut-off is determined by the position of the movable screen. As a result, any deviation in positioning, in particular caused by vibrations or shocks, causes a variation in the cut-off and therefore inadequate, even dangerous, lighting when the headlamp is dazzling.

L'objet principal de l'invention est de pallier cet inconvénient.The main object of the invention is to overcome this drawback.

Un projecteur à plusieurs fonctions, dont une correspond à un faisceau à coupure, en particulier pour véhicules automobiles, adapté à améliorer l'éclairement d'éléments de signalisation routière, comportant :

  • des moyens de lampe émettant à la fois un rayonnement visible et un rayonnement ultra-violet ;
  • un réflecteur ;
  • un occulteur monté déplaçable entre une position d'occultation, dans laquelle il intercepte tout rayonnement visible dirigé au-dessus de la coupure, et une position d'effacement dans laquelle il n'affecte sensiblement pas la transmission du rayonnement lumineux visible, ledit occulteur étant opaque au rayonnement lumineux visible et est, au moins partiellement, transparent au rayonnement ultra-violet ;
  • une glace frontale de fermeture en un matériau transparent, au moins partiellement, au rayonnement ultra-violet,
est, selon l'invention, caractérisé en ce que ledit réflecteur comporte deux zones susceptibles d'engendrer respectivement deux faisceaux lumineux différents, en ce que lesdites zones sont disposées côte à côte et s'étendent chacune sur l'ensemble de la hauteur du réflecteur, chaque zone du réflecteur étant constituée par une partie d'une surface réfléchissante engendrant par elle-même le faisceau associé et en ce que ledit occulteur comprend au moins un écran qui, en position d'occultation, est situé latéralement par rapport auxdits moyens de lampe placés à l'intérieur dudit réflecteur :A headlamp with several functions, one of which corresponds to a cut-off beam, in particular for motor vehicles, adapted to improve the illumination of road signaling elements, comprising:
  • lamp means emitting both visible and ultra-violet radiation;
  • a reflector;
  • a concealer mounted movable between a concealment position, in which it intercepts any visible radiation directed above the cut, and an erasure position in which it does not substantially affect the transmission of visible light radiation, said concealer being opaque to visible light radiation and is, at least partially, transparent to ultraviolet radiation;
  • a closing front window made of a transparent material, at least partially, with ultraviolet radiation,
is, according to the invention, characterized in that said reflector comprises two zones capable of respectively generating two different light beams, in that said zones are arranged side by side and each extend over the entire height of the reflector , each zone of the reflector being constituted by a part of a reflecting surface generating by itself the associated beam and in that said concealer comprises at least one screen which, in the concealed position, is situated laterally with respect to said means of lamp placed inside said reflector:

On réalise ainsi, grâce à l'invention, un projecteur multifonctions, qui permet l'émission d'un rayonnement ultra-violet au-dessus d'une ligne de coupure quand une fonction de projection à coupure est utilisée.Thus, thanks to the invention, a multifunctional projector is produced, which allows the emission of ultra-violet radiation above a cut-off line when a cut-off projection function is used.

Ainsi, avec une seule paire de projecteurs selon l'invention, on peut réaliser de manière précise toutes les fonctions d'éclairage nécessaires, et procurer un éclairement particulièrement efficace des éléments de signalisation.Thus, with a single pair of projectors according to the invention, it is possible to precisely carry out all the necessary lighting functions, and to provide particularly effective illumination of the signaling elements.

On obtient encore de meilleurs résultats en utilisant tout ou partie des dispositions inventives ci-après.Even better results are obtained by using all or part of the inventive arrangements below.

Au moins l'une des deux zones de réflecteur est constituée par une surface susceptible d'engendrer par elle-même un faisceau situé au-dessous d'une coupure d'orientation générale horizontale, et peut être constituée par une surface apte à former des images de la source lumineuse dont les points les plus hauts sont situés au voisinage de la coupure. La coupure peut être horizontale ou délimitée par un demi-plan horizontal et par un demi-plan incliné au-dessus de l'horizontale. Dans ce cas, l'autre zone du réflecteur est de préférence constituée par une surface susceptible d'engendrer un faisceau concentré au voisinage de l'axe optique.At least one of the two reflector zones is constituted by a surface capable of generating by itself a beam situated below a cut of generally horizontal orientation, and can be constituted by a surface capable of forming images of the light source whose highest points are located in the vicinity of the cut. The cut can be horizontal or delimited by a horizontal half-plane and by a half-plane inclined above the horizontal. In this case, the other zone of the reflector is preferably constituted by a surface capable of generating a concentrated beam in the vicinity of the optical axis.

Les moyens d'occultation peuvent comprendre soit un écran unique pour sélectivement occulter les rayons lumineux visibles issus de la source en direction de ladite autre zone, soit encore deux écrans dont l'un au moins est transparent au rayonnement ultra-violet pour sélectivement occulter les rayons lumineux visibles issus de la source en direction des deux zones du réflecteur, respectivement. Dans ce cas, l'écran susceptible d'occulter les rayons issus de la source en direction de la première zone de réflecteur peut être traversé par au moins un petit orifice pour laisser passer une quantité de lumière déterminée en direction de ladite première zone.The occultation means can comprise either a single screen for selectively obscuring the visible light rays emanating from the source in the direction of said other zone, or even two screens, at least one of which is transparent to ultraviolet radiation to selectively obscure the visible light rays from the source towards the two areas of the reflector, respectively. In this case, the screen capable of obscuring the rays emanating from the source in the direction of the first reflector zone can be crossed by at least one small orifice to allow a determined quantity of light to pass in the direction of said first zone.

Avantageusement, l'écran ou chaque écran d'occultation comprend une plaque articulée autour d'un axe horizontal solidaire d'un cache de lumière directe associé à la source, cette plaque pouvant être amenée dans une position d'occultation par une source motrice telle qu'un moteur électrique associée à des moyens de transmission comprenant par exemple des engrenages et une biellette.Advantageously, the screen or each occultation screen comprises a plate articulated around a horizontal axis secured to a cover of direct light associated with the source, this plate being able to be brought into a position of occultation by a driving source such an electric motor associated with transmission means comprising for example gears and a link.

D'autres aspects, buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante d'une forme de réalisation préférée de celle-ci, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de face simplifiée d'un projecteur conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe horizontale du projecteur de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe verticale axiale du projecteur des figures 1 et 2 ;
  • les figures 4a et 4b sont des vues de face schématiques du projecteur des figures 1 à 3, illustrant deux états possibles de celui-ci ;
  • les figures 5a à 5d sont des vues de face schématiques illustrant quatre états possibles d'un projecteur selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, et
  • les figures 6a et 6b sont des vues de côté d'une réalisation concrète d'un dispositif d'occultation conforme à l'invention, présenté dans deux positions différentes.
Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :
  • Figure 1 is a simplified front view of a projector according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the projector of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an axial vertical sectional view of the projector of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figures 4a and 4b are schematic front views of the projector of Figures 1 to 3, illustrating two possible states thereof;
  • FIGS. 5a to 5d are schematic front views illustrating four possible states of a projector according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and
  • Figures 6a and 6b are side views of a concrete embodiment of a concealment device according to the invention, presented in two different positions.

En référence aux figures 1 à 3 et 4a, 4b, un projecteur conforme à l'invention comprend des moyens de lampe 100 définissant une source lumineuse, susceptible d'émettre à la fois un rayonnement dans le spectre visible et dans le spectre UV, un réflecteur 200 et une glace frontale de fermeture 300.Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 4a, 4b, a projector according to the invention comprises lamp means 100 defining a light source, capable of emitting both radiation in the visible spectrum and in the UV spectrum, a reflector 200 and a closing front window 300.

La glace 300 est réalisée en un matériau transparent, au moins partiellement, au rayonnement ultra-violet.The glass 300 is made of a transparent material, at least partially, with ultraviolet radiation.

Elle est par ailleurs avantageusement lisse.It is also advantageously smooth.

Dans cet exemple, les moyens de lampe comportent une lampe à décharge, susceptible de produire entre deux électrodes un arc électrique allongé disposé essentiellement axialement au voisinage de l'axe optique Ox, de façon bien connue. En 102 et 104 sont respectivement indiqués le culot et l'ampoule scellée de la lampe. Ses bornes d'alimentation sont délignées par 108. Du fait de l'importance du flux lumineux émis par ce type de lampe, un cache de lumière directe 106 est en outre prévu pour éviter l'éblouissement des conducteurs ou piétons situés devant le véhicule. Le cache 106 présente ici la forme d'un cylindre de révolution fermé à son extrémité avant et dont l'extrémité arrière ouverte présente un contour complexe tel que les rayons dirigés vers des parties optiquement inopérantes du réflecteur (joues,...) soient interceptés par le cache.In this example, the lamp means comprise a discharge lamp, capable of producing between two electrodes an elongated electric arc disposed essentially axially in the vicinity of the optical axis Ox, in a well-known way. In 102 and 104 are indicated respectively the base and the sealed bulb of the lamp. Its supply terminals are delimited by 108. Due to the importance of the luminous flux emitted by this type of lamp, a direct light cover 106 is also provided to avoid the glare of the drivers or pedestrians located in front of the vehicle. The cover 106 here has the shape of a cylinder of revolution closed at its front end and whose open rear end has a complex outline such that the rays directed towards optically inoperative parts of the reflector (cheeks, etc.) are intercepted by the cache.

Le cache 106 est opaque au rayonnement lumineux visible tout en étant avantageusement, mais non nécessairement, au moins en partie transparent au rayonnement ultra-violet.The cover 106 is opaque to visible light radiation while being advantageously, but not necessarily, at least partially transparent to ultraviolet radiation.

Le réflecteur 200 est ici un réflecteur de faible hauteur et de grande largeur, tronqué par deux joues supérieure et inférieure 240,250, essentiellement horizontales. Conformément à un aspect essentiel de l'invention, la surface du réflecteur 200 est divisée en deux zones réfléchissantes distinctes 210 et 220 susceptibles d'émettre respectivement deux faisceaux lumineux de types différents, et cette séparation s'effectue dans le présent exemple selon le plan vertical axial x0z du projecteur. Une séparation selon deux demi-plans passant par l'axe optique Ox, mais d'inclinaison substantielle par rapport à l'horizontale, comme indiqué par les lignes tiretées P et P′, est également envisageable. On peut ainsi modifier facilement les superficies respectives des zones réfléchissantes 210, 220, et par conséquent les intensités des deux faisceaux formés.The reflector 200 is here a reflector of low height and large width, truncated by two upper and lower cheeks 240, 250, essentially horizontal. In accordance with an essential aspect of the invention, the surface of the reflector 200 is divided into two distinct reflecting zones 210 and 220 capable of emitting two light beams of different types respectively, and this separation is carried out in the present example according to the plan vertical axial x0z of the projector. A separation according to two half-planes passing through the optical axis Ox, but of substantial inclination relative to the horizontal, as indicated by the dashed lines P and P ′, is also conceivable. It is thus easy to modify the respective areas of the reflective zones 210, 220, and consequently the intensities of the two beams formed.

Par exemple, la zone de gauche (en vue de face) 210 du réflecteur peut être constituée par une partie d'une surface réfléchissante apte à engendrer par elle-même, c'est-à-dire sans l'intervention d'un cache d'occultation ou analogue, la coupure en V propre au faisceau de croisement européen normalisé. En pratique, il peut s'agir d'un moitié d'une surface parmi celles qui sont décrites dans les brevets et demandes de brevets français n° 2.536.502, 2.599.121 et 2.609.148 au nom de la Demanderesse, dont les contenus respectifs sont incorporés au présent mémoire par référence, et auxquels on se référera pour davantage de détails.For example, the left zone (in front view) 210 of the reflector may consist of a part of a reflective surface capable of generating by itself, that is to say without the intervention of a concealment mask or the like, the V-cut specific to the standard European passing beam. In practice, it may be half of an area among those described in French patents and patent applications Nos. 2.536.502, 2.599.121 and 2.609.148 in the name of the Applicant, whose respective contents are incorporated herein by reference, and to which reference will be made for further details.

Dans le présent exemple, la zone de droite 220 du réflecteur est une partie d'une surface apte à engendrer un faisceau essentiellement complémentaire du faisceau de croisement. Il peut s'agir par exemple d'une portion de paraboloïde par rapport au foyer duquel l'arc est décentré, ou encore d'une moitié de la surface telle que décrite dans la demande de brevet français n° 2.600.024, dont le contenu est également incorporé par référence et à laquelle on se référera pour davantage de détails.In the present example, the right-hand zone 220 of the reflector is a part of a surface capable of generating a beam essentially complementary to the passing beam. It may, for example, be a portion of a paraboloid with respect to the focal point of which the arc is off-center, or even a half of the surface as described in French patent application No. 2,600,024, the content is also incorporated by reference and to which reference will be made for further details.

La projecteur comprend en outre, comme représenté schématiquement sur les figures 4a et 4b (et non illustré sur les figures 1 à 3 par souci de clarté), un écran d'occultation 420 qui présente ici la forme d'un demi-cylindre de révolution d'axe horizontal essentiellement confondu avec l'axe optique, qui est articulé par un bord sur un axe 440 parallèle à l'axe optique et situé au-dessous de la lampe, cet axe étant par exemple monté sur le cache de lumière directe 106.The projector also comprises, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 4a and 4b (and not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 for the sake of clarity), a screening screen 420 which here has the shape of a half-cylinder of revolution of horizontal axis essentially coincident with the optical axis, which is articulated by an edge on an axis 440 parallel to the optical axis and located below the lamp, this axis being for example mounted on the direct light cover 106 .

L'écran d'occultation 420 est opaque au rayonnement lumineux visible, tout en étant, au moins en partie, transparent au rayonnement ultra-violet.The occultation screen 420 is opaque to visible light radiation, while being, at least in part, transparent to ultraviolet radiation.

Des moyens d'entraînement (non illustrés), par exemple à moteur électrique ou à électro-aimant, peuvent être commandés depuis l'habitacle du véhicule pour déplacer l'écran 420 entre une première position ou position d'occulation (figure 4a), dans laquelle il vient se placer contre le cache 106 pour intercepter le rayonnement issu de l'arc de la lampe en direction de la zone 220 du réflecteur, et une seconde position ou position d'effacement (figure 4b), dans laquelle il est dégagé du cache 106, la zone 220 étant maintenant exposée au rayonnement. On observe que, dans cet exemple, la zone 210 est toujours exposée au rayonnement.Drive means (not illustrated), for example with an electric motor or an electromagnet, can be controlled from the passenger compartment of the vehicle to move the screen 420 between a first position or occluding position (FIG. 4a), in which it is placed against the cache 106 to intercept the radiation from the arc of the lamp towards the area 220 of the reflector, and a second position or erasing position (Figure 4b), in which it is released from the cover 106, the area 220 now being exposed to radiation. It is observed that, in this example, the zone 210 is always exposed to radiation.

Il est clair que, dans la situation de la figure 4a, seule la zone 210 est active, si bien que le faisceau formé dans le spectre visible est un faisceau de croisement européen. On peut noter à cet égard que les diverses surfaces évoquées plus haut ont pour propriété de créer par elles-mêmes l'ensemble du faisceau même lorsque seulement une moitié de la surface est employée.It is clear that, in the situation in FIG. 4a, only the zone 210 is active, so that the beam formed in the visible spectrum is a European passing beam. It can be noted in this regard that the various surfaces mentioned above have the property of creating by themselves the whole of the beam even when only half of the surface is used.

Le rayonnement ultra-violet également émis est, au moins en partie, transmis au travers de l'écran 420, si bien que l'ensemble du réflecteur participe à la réflexion du rayonnement ultra-violet.The ultraviolet radiation also emitted is, at least in part, transmitted through the screen 420, so that the whole of the reflector participates in the reflection of the ultraviolet radiation.

Dans la situation de la figure 4b, l'ensemble du réflecteur participe à la création du faisceau, si bien que ce dernier est constitué par la superposition du faisceau de route engendré par la zone 210 et du faisceau complémentaire engendré par la zone 220, et constitue ainsi un faisceau de route.In the situation in FIG. 4b, the whole of the reflector participates in the creation of the beam, so that the latter is constituted by the superposition of the driving beam generated by the area 210 and the complementary beam generated by the area 220, and thus constitutes a driving beam.

En référence maintenant aux figures 5a à 5d, on a illustré schématiquement quatre possibilités d'utilisation d'un projecteur comportant une première zone réfléchissante 210 telle qu'une surface formant par elle-même un faisceau de croisement et une deuxième zone réfléchissante 220 en forme de parabole focalisée au voisinage de l'arc de la lampe 100. Deux écrans d'occultation 410, 420, par exemple articulés et montés sur le même axe 440 situé au-dessous de la lampe 100, sont respectivement associés aux zones 210 et 220, pour sélectivement les exposer à la lumière issue de l'arc ou au contraire les masquer. L'un des deux écrans d'occultation 410, 420, et en variante les deux, est opaque au rayonnement lumineux visible, tout en étant, au moins en partie transparent au rayonnement ultra-violet. Ce projecteur est en outre caractérisé en ce que l'écran d'occultation 410 affecté à la zone 210 du réflecteur comporte un ou plusieurs petits orifices, comme indiqué en 412, pour laisser passer en direction du réflecteur une quantité déterminée de la lumière émise par l'arc.Referring now to FIGS. 5a to 5d, there are diagrammatically illustrated four possibilities of using a headlamp comprising a first reflecting zone 210 such as a surface forming by itself a passing beam and a second reflecting zone 220 in the form of a parabola focused in the vicinity of the arc of the lamp 100. Two screening screens 410, 420, for example articulated and mounted on the same axis 440 located below the lamp 100, are respectively associated with the areas 210 and 220 , to selectively expose them to light from the arc or, on the contrary, hide them. One of the two blackout screens 410, 420, and alternatively both, is opaque to visible light radiation, while being, at least in part, transparent to ultraviolet radiation. This projector is further characterized in that the screening screen 410 assigned to the area 210 of the reflector has one or more small orifices, as indicated in 412, to allow a predetermined quantity of the light emitted by the reflector to pass through. the arc.

Sur la figure 5a, les deux écrans 410, 420 sont en position d'occultation, comme illustré, et seule une faible quantité de la lumière visible provenant de l'arc est autorisée à sortir vers la zone 210, qui la réfléchit normalement vers l'avant. On crée de la sorte une fonction dite lanterne ou lampe de ville, délivrant en avant du véhicule une petite quantité de lumière destinée à la signalisation du véhicule plus qu'à l'éclairage de la route.In FIG. 5a, the two screens 410, 420 are in the occultation position, as illustrated, and only a small quantity of the visible light coming from the arc is authorized to exit towards the zone 210, which normally reflects it towards the 'before. This creates a so-called lantern or city lamp function, delivering a small amount of light in front of the vehicle intended for signaling the vehicle more than for lighting the road.

Dans cette condition, un rayonnement ultra-violet est avantageusement émis limité ou non selon que l'un ou les deux écrans 410, 420 sont transparents aux rayonnements ultra-violets.In this condition, ultraviolet radiation is advantageously emitted limited or not depending on whether one or the two screens 410, 420 are transparent to ultraviolet radiation.

Sur la figure 5b, l'écran d'occultation 410 est ouvert. Cette situation est équivalente à celle de la figure 4a, et le projecteur émet un faisceau de croisement.In FIG. 5b, the concealment screen 410 is open. This situation is equivalent to that of FIG. 4a, and the headlamp emits a passing beam.

On a illustré sur la figure 5c le cas où l'écran d'occultation 410 est fermé, tandis que l'écran d'occultation 420 est ouvert. Seule la zone 220 du réflecteur participe à la forme du faisceau, si bien que le faisceau engendré est un faisceau de route ordinaire, concentré sur l'axe optique.FIG. 5c illustrates the case where the blackout screen 410 is closed, while the blackout screen 420 is open. Only the region 220 of the reflector participates in the shape of the beam, so that the beam generated is an ordinary driving beam, concentrated on the optical axis.

Enfin, la figure 5d illustre une dernière possibilité offerte par ce réflecteur : en ouvrant simultanément les deux écrans 410, 420, on superpose le faisceau de route et le faisceau de croisement, pour obtenir dans ce cas un faisceau extrêmement puissant, offrant un confort visuel à la fois dans le lointain et à plus grande proximité du véhicule.Finally, FIG. 5d illustrates a last possibility offered by this reflector: by simultaneously opening the two screens 410, 420, the driving beam and the passing beam are superimposed, in this case obtaining an extremely powerful beam, offering visual comfort both in the distance and closer to the vehicle.

Dans l'un et l'autre de ces derniers cas, un rayonnement ultra-violet est émis, au moins en partie, au-dessus de la coupure.In both of these latter cases, ultraviolet radiation is emitted, at least in part, above the cut.

Ainsi, sans aucune commutation électrique de la lampe, mais en commandant de façon appropriée les moyens pour déplacer les écrans d'occultation, ce projecteur offre quatre fonctions lumineuses, toutes d'excellente qualité, avec, dans tous les cas, émission d'un rayonnement ultra-violet de type longue portée, c'est-à-dire non limité par une quelconque coupure, permettant de rendre bien visibles des éléments de signalisation routière, des obstacles, des mobiles ou autres, revêtus d'éléments fluorescents sous l'effet d'un rayonnement ultra-violet.Thus, without any electrical switching of the lamp, but by appropriately controlling the means for moving the screening screens, this projector offers four light functions, all of excellent quality, with, in all cases, emission of a long-range ultraviolet radiation, that is to say not limited by any cut, making it possible to make visible road traffic signs, obstacles, mobiles or others, coated with fluorescent elements under the effect of ultraviolet radiation.

Les figures 6a et 6b illustrent une forme de réalisation pratique des moyens d'occultation utilisés dans le cadre de la présente invention. On a illustré sur ces figures un écran d'occultation 410 destiné à sélectivement masquer au rayonnement issu de l'arc électrique la partie de gauche (en vue de face) 210 du réflecteur.Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a practical embodiment of the concealment means used in the context of the present invention. An occulting screen 410 has been illustrated in these figures intended to selectively mask the left-hand part (in front view) 210 of the reflector from the radiation coming from the electric arc.

Sur un support commun (non illustré), par exemple solidaire du réflecteur ou du boîtier du projecteur et venu de mouloage avec lui, est monté un moteur électrique réversible 401 dont l'arbre de sortie 401a porte un premier engrenage 402. Ce dernier engrène avec un train réducteur constitué par les engrenages 403, 404 et 405. L'engrenage final 405 porte un axe excentré 406 sur lequel une première extrémité d'une biellette 407 est articulée.On a common support (not illustrated), for example integral with the reflector or the projector housing and coming from molding with it, is mounted a reversible electric motor 401 whose output shaft 401a carries a first gear 402. The latter meshes with a reduction gear formed by the gears 403, 404 and 405. The final gear 405 carries an eccentric pin 406 on which a first end of a link 407 is articulated.

Le cache de lumière directe 106, ici de section droite essentiellement carrée, porte sur un prolongement vertical 106a un axe 409 sur lequel l'écran d'occultation 410 est articulé par l'intermédiaire d'une patte 410a. A l'extrémité libre de la patte 410a, c'est-à-dire à l'opposé de la partie réalisant l'occultation par rapport à l'axe 409, est prévu un axe 408 sur lequel l'autre extrémité de la biellette 407 est articulée.The direct light cover 106, here of essentially square cross section, carries on a vertical extension 106a an axis 409 on which the screening screen 410 is articulated by means of a tab 410a. AT the free end of the tab 410a, that is to say opposite to the part providing the concealment with respect to the axis 409, is provided an axis 408 on which the other end of the link 407 is articulated.

On comprend qu'une mise en rotation du moteur 401 provoque, par l'intermédiaire de la transmission constituée par les engrenages et la biellette, le passage de l'écran 410 de la position de non-occultation ou d'effacement, illustrée sur la figure 6a, à la position d'occultation illustrée sur la figure 6b, et réciproquement. Pour assurer avec précision le positionnement dudit écran dans chacune de ses deux positions possibles, on peut prévoir par exemple des contacteurs de fin de course à un emplacement approprié de la transmission, ou encore une commande de position asservie, ces deux solutions étant bien connues de l'homme de l'art.It is understood that a rotation of the motor 401 causes, by means of the transmission constituted by the gears and the link, the passage of the screen 410 from the non-occultation or erasure position, illustrated on the Figure 6a, in the occultation position illustrated in Figure 6b, and vice versa. To ensure precise positioning of said screen in each of its two possible positions, it is possible, for example, to provide limit switches at an appropriate location of the transmission, or even a servo position control, these two solutions being well known from one skilled in the art.

On observe que l'écran d'occultation 410 présente un contour tel que, dans la position d'occultation, il vient obturer l'intégalité de l'espace situé entre le bord arrière du cache 106 et le culot 102 de la lampe, pour ainsi efficacement empêcher tout rayon lumineux visible d'atteindre la zone réfléchissante 210 du réflecteur.It is observed that the blackout screen 410 has a contour such that, in the blackout position, it seals the entire space between the rear edge of the cover 106 and the base 102 of the lamp, to thus effectively preventing any visible light ray from reaching the reflecting area 210 of the reflector.

A titre d'exemple, on indique que l'écran d'occultation peut être réalisé à partir d'un support en verre teinté ou en verre trempé sur lequel est déposée au moins une mince couche d'un matériau à base d'oxydes de métaux, tels que oxyde de titane (Ti02), oxyde de silicium (SiO) ou, d'une manière générale, d'un matériau diélectrique, absorbant les rayons du spectre visible et laissant passer, au moins en partie, les rayons ultra-violets.By way of example, it is indicated that the screening screen can be produced from a tinted glass or tempered glass support on which is deposited at least a thin layer of a material based on oxides of metals, such as titanium oxide (Ti02), silicon oxide (SiO) or, in general, a dielectric material, absorbing the rays of the visible spectrum and allowing, at least in part, the ultra-rays purple.

L'écran d'occultation peut également être du type filtre interférentiel à bande éroite tel que filtre connu sous le nom de Fabry-Pérot, ou encore être du type à diffraction.The screening screen can also be of the interference band type with a narrow band such as a known filter. under the name of Fabry-Pérot, or be of the diffraction type.

La présente invention, en permettant le rayonnement des fonctions code, route, voire lanterne, et émission d'un rayonnement ultra-violet, permet de réaliser des économies substantielles par rapport aux systèmes de l'art antérieur nécessitant une pluralité de projecteurs.The present invention, by allowing the radiation of the code, road, or even lantern functions, and emission of ultra-violet radiation, makes it possible to achieve substantial savings compared to the systems of the prior art requiring a plurality of projectors.

Et du fait que le rayonnement ultra-violet est en partie au moins réfléchi par une zone du réflecteur correspondant à une fonction d'éclairage route, il permet d'accroître considérablement l'efficacité et la portée de celui-ci.And the fact that the ultraviolet radiation is partly reflected at least by an area of the reflector corresponding to a road lighting function, it makes it possible to considerably increase the efficiency and the range thereof.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est nullement limitée aux formes de réalisations décrites ci-dessus et représentées sur les dessins. En particulier, bien que l'emploi d'une lampe à décharge soit particulièrement avantageux pour des raisons évidentes de rendement, il est clair que l'invention reste avantageuse avec les sources à filament de tungstène classiques.Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings. In particular, although the use of a discharge lamp is particularly advantageous for obvious reasons of efficiency, it is clear that the invention remains advantageous with conventional tungsten filament sources.

Dans ce cas, une lampe adaptée à émettre un rayonnement ultra-violet est montée à proximité de la lampe à filament de tungstène, les deux lampes formant lesdits moyens de lampe.In this case, a lamp adapted to emit ultraviolet radiation is mounted near the tungsten filament lamp, the two lamps forming said lamp means.

Par ailleurs, toute combinaison de faisceaux autre que celle qui a été indiquée plus haut peut être envisagée. Par exemple, on peut prévoir une zone formant le faisceau de croisement européen normalisé comme déccrit plus haut, l'autre zone pouvant être une parabole éventuellement décentrée ou une surface apte à former un faisceau complémentaire d'un faisceau de croisement. Dans les projecteurs ci-dessus, on peut également remplacer la zone formant le faisceau de croisement par une zone formant par elle-même un faisceau anti-brouillard, et répondant par exemple à la surface telle que décrite dans la demande de brevet français n° 2.536.503 au nom de la Demanderesse, dont le contenu est incorporé à la présente description par référence.Furthermore, any combination of beams other than that which has been indicated above can be envisaged. For example, one can provide a zone forming the European standard passing beam as described above, the other zone possibly being a parabola possibly off-center or a surface capable of forming a beam complementary to a passing beam. In the above headlamps, it is also possible to replace the zone forming the passing beam by a zone forming by itself an anti-fog beam, and responding for example to the surface as described in French patent application No. 2,536,503 in the name of the Applicant, the content of which is incorporated into the present description by reference.

Une autre possibilité consiste à utiliser, pour la zone occultable 220, une portion de paraboloïde focalisée sur la source et donnant un faisceau dit "spot", extrêmement concentré, et pour la zone non occultable 210 une surface telle que celle qui est décrite dans la demande de brevet n° 2.609.148, engendrant par elle-même un faisceau de route de grande largeur.Another possibility consists in using, for the concealable zone 220, a portion of paraboloid focused on the source and giving a so-called "spot" beam, extremely concentrated, and for the non-concealable zone 210 a surface such as that described in the patent application n ° 2,609,148, generating by itself a beam of road of great width.

Enfin, les moyens d'occultation électromécanique, tels que décrits, peuvent faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes. Par exemple, l'entraînement peut être réalisé à l'aide d'un électro-aimant à la place du moteur électrique. Il est également possible d'utiliser des moyens d'occultation non électromécaniques, par exemple un écran électro-optique susceptible de prendre un état opaque et un état transparent, selon la valeur d'une tension électrique qui est appliquée à ses bornes.Finally, the electromechanical occultation means, as described, can be the subject of numerous variants. For example, the drive can be performed using an electromagnet instead of the electric motor. It is also possible to use non-electromechanical occultation means, for example an electro-optical screen capable of assuming an opaque state and a transparent state, depending on the value of an electric voltage which is applied across its terminals.

D'une façon générale, l'homme de l'art saura réaliser des moyens d'occultation ayant une vitesse de commutation suffisamment rapide pour respecter les réglements, en particulier en ce qui concerne le passage de croisement en route et réciproquement et "l'appel de phare".Generally, a person skilled in the art will know how to conceal means having a switching speed fast enough to comply with the regulations, in particular as regards the crossing crossing en route and vice versa and "the lighthouse call ".

Claims (11)

  1. A headlamp with a plurality of functions, one of which corresponds to a dipped beam, in particular for motor vehicles, being adapted to improve the illumination of road signs and including:
    - lamp means (100, 104) emitting visible radiation and ultraviolet radiation simultaneously;
    - a reflector (200);
    - an occulting means (410, 420) which is mounted for displacement between an occulting position, in which it intercepts all visible radiation directed above the cut-off line, and a retracted position in which it has substantially no effect on the transmission of visible light radiation, the said occulting means (410, 420) being opaque to visible light radiation and being, at least partially, transparent to ultraviolet radiation;
    - a front closure glass (300), of a material which is at least partially transparent to ultraviolet radiation,
    characterised in that the said reflector (200) has two zones (210, 220) which are adapted to generate, respectively, two different light beams, in that the said zones (210, 220) are disposed side by side, with each one extending over the entire height of the reflector, each zone of the reflector consisting of part of a reflective surface which by itself generates the associated beam, and in that the said occulting means comprises at least one screen (410, 420) which, in an occulting position, is situated laterally with respect to the said lamp means (100, 104) which are positioned inside the said reflector (200).
  2. A headlamp according to Claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the two zones (210) of the reflector comprises a surface which is adapted so as, by itself, to generate a beam situated below a generally horizontally orientated cut-off line.
  3. A headlamp according to Claim 2, characterised in that the said zone (210) comprises a surface which is adapted to form images of the light source defined by the said lamp means (100, 104), the highest points of which are situated in the vicinity of the cut-off line.
  4. A headlamp according to Claim 3, characterised in that the cut-off line is a horizontal cut-off line.
  5. A headlamp according to Claim 3, characterised in that the cut-off line is a normalised cut-off line delimited by a horizontal half plane and by a half plane which is inclined above the horizontal.
  6. A headlamp according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the other zone (220) of the reflector comprises a surface which is adapted to generate a beam concentrated in the vicinity of the optical axis.
  7. A headlamp according to Claim 6, characterised in that the occulting means comprise a single screen (420) which is opaque to visible light radiation while also being at least partly transparent to ultraviolet radiation, so as selectively to occult visible light rays coming from the source towards the said other zone (220).
  8. A headlamp according to Claim 6, characterized in that the occulting means comprise two screens (410, 420), at least one of which is opaque to visible light radiation while being at least partly transparent to ultraviolet radiation, so as selectively to occult visible light rays coming from the source towards the two zones (210, 220) of the reflector, respectively.
  9. A headlamp according to Claim 8, characterized in that the screen (410) which is adapted to occult the rays coming from the source towards the first zone (210) of the reflector has at least one small through aperture (412) so as to allow a predetermined quantity of light to pass towards the said first zone.
  10. A headlamp according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the or each occulting screen comprises a plate (410, 420) which is pivoted about a horizontal axis (409) fixed to a direct light shield (106) associated with the source, the said plate being able to be put into an occulting position by a motor source (410) associated with transmission means (402-408).
  11. A headlamp according to any one of the preceding Claims having a direct light shield (106), characterised in that the said direct light shield (106) is opaque to visible light radiation, while being at least partly transparent to ultraviolet radiation.
EP91401789A 1990-07-03 1991-07-01 Headlamp with several functions, especially for vehicles Expired - Lifetime EP0465330B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9008392A FR2664363B1 (en) 1990-07-03 1990-07-03 MULTIPURPOSE PROJECTOR, PARTICULARLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, SUITABLE FOR IMPROVING THE ILLUMINATION OF ROAD SIGNALING ELEMENTS.
FR9008392 1990-07-03

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0465330A1 EP0465330A1 (en) 1992-01-08
EP0465330B1 true EP0465330B1 (en) 1994-10-12

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91401789A Expired - Lifetime EP0465330B1 (en) 1990-07-03 1991-07-01 Headlamp with several functions, especially for vehicles

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US (1) US5251110A (en)
EP (1) EP0465330B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69104560T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2664363B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2664363A1 (en) 1992-01-10
DE69104560T2 (en) 1995-02-16
FR2664363B1 (en) 1992-12-31
US5251110A (en) 1993-10-05
EP0465330A1 (en) 1992-01-08
DE69104560D1 (en) 1994-11-17

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